As Iíve been studying the book of Acts, Iím finding myself more and more drawn to learn about the precious Holy Spirit. Even in the first few chapters of Acts, the Word clearly reveals the beauty of the Almightyís Spirit and the indescribable gift Jesus gave us by laying down His life to come live inside us.

So who is this mighty Spirit? He is a person - an irreplaceable 1/3 of the God Head...God within us. How astounding to know the very presence of God has come in a form available to live within EACH of us who accepts the salvation of Jesus, the Christ!

Much like us, the Holy Spirit longs to be acknowledged...included in our lives. But allow me to ask you as I question myself...do we take Him for granted?

If youíre anything like me, this is a painful question to ask. I love Jesus with all my heart, and although flawed like every other human, I truly try to live my days with intention and purpose for His nameís sake. However, I believe God is calling His children to take the time to really get to know His Spirit and grow in our relationship with Him. Letís dive in...

The Words says that He is our great Comforter (John 16:7), Counselor (John 16:13), Guide, (Acts 13:2, 16:7), and Teacher (1 Corinthians 2:11-13; John 14:26). He is much more to us than we could ever know. More than I could describe. But do we truly understand the gift weíve been given as New Testament Christians?

It really wasnít until I started studying acts that I realized the difference between the Holy Spirit of the Old Testament and the New Testament. Iíve read stories of the Holy Spirit stirring in people (Judges 13:25) and even how He came in power to help Sampson rip a lion apart with his bare hands. But Iím beginning to grasp the difference between the Spirit visiting for specific times/purposes and the Spirit literally dwelling within my being at this very moment. This is powerful.

Today, I pray each of us will begin to wrap our minds around the gift we have been given. Jesus knew all along that He could not be with each of us at the same time in human form. So, along with dying to cover the sins of the world, He also gave His life and rose to the Father so He could come back in Spirit to live within each of us at all times, through every situation we will ever face. WOAH! And can I say again, WOAH?

Realize with me today that if youíve called upon the name of Jesus to be saved from eternal death, the all powerful, life-giving, earth-creating, star-forming Spirit of Majestic God lives within you...He lives within me! Each of us have been given the companionship and help of the very Spirit who empowered men to rip apart gargantuan animals, push over pillars supporting massive temples, and even raise Christ to life from the pits of Hell and death.

With this in mind, I ask you today: what is it you cannot do? What should you be afraid to face? Which obstacles have the power to stand in your way? Can roadblocks keep you from walking forward in your God-ordained and purposed destiny today or any time in the future? Boldly, I say - no. If you will just allow Him the opportunity, The Holy Spirit will help you navigate around every trap and speed bump. Do not become frustrated by dead ends holding you back...trust the Guide to either bulldoze through them or lead you another way. And remember: Heís got you - wherever you go and whatever you do. He is with you until the end of this age and on through eternity.

Today, I encourage you to walk forward in the power given only through Godís priceless Spirit within. Do not take Him for granted. Do not ignore or shun Him; He wants to be included in your life.

May each of us acknowledge and welcome Him to be a part of single moment and detail of our everyday lives. After all, He is a person...the portion of God living right inside of us, and we need to treat Him as such. Let us not try to use Him for what He can do for us. Instead, letís purpose to be available for what He wants to do through us...

Will you pray with me?

Oh God of the Universe, thank You for also choosing to be the Spirit within. Give each of us the passion to learn more of who You are and to grasp how You exist within our human hearts. Thank You, Jesus for Your gift of sacrifice and for Your glorification so You could be with each of us at this precise moment.

Holy Spirit, we welcome You here in this place...thank You for meeting with us today and for guiding us along every path we take. Our heartsí cry is to know You more...to experience deeper levels of Your love and freedom so we can share it with the world. Help us to walk forward in Your mighty, life-changing power this very day. We do it all to bring glory to Your name Ė In Christ, Amen.

ďAnd surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.Ē Matthew 28:20 (NIV)

Venturing on with the Spirit within,
Katie Marie

If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be! TRUST JESUS NOW

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